Emergency Physicians Help Clarify
the Difference Between Emergency Care and Urgent Care
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[January 18, 2023]
Understanding the difference between emergency care
and urgent care is important, especially in the stressful moments of
an unexpected health crisis. With many hospitals at or near
capacity, the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) is
sharing tips to help simplify the decision about where to seek care
when immediate medical attention is needed.
“The emergency department is the best option for concerning
symptoms, severe illness or injury, and we’re open 24/7, 365,” said
Christopher S. Kang, MD, FACEP, president of ACEP. “Emergency
physicians are ready to help anyone who needs them—we are trained to
treat every kind of medical emergency.”
Emergency departments are outfitted with advanced medical equipment
and staffed to handle more complex care for severe health issues.
Some of the most common reasons to seek emergency care include
trouble breathing, chest pain, uncontrolled bleeding, seizures,
severe abdominal pain, head injuries, sudden severe headache or
dizziness, and sudden confusion or disorientation. Emergency
physicians are experts trained to evaluate and manage any mystery
injury or ailment.
Urgent care is a vital part of the health care system and can be a
good option for common minor medical issues that require timely
attention, especially during after-hours or weekend when an
appointment with a physician is unavailable. Urgent care is likely
appropriate for a modest cough, runny nose, sore throat, rashes,
minor cuts, upset stomach, minor bone fractures, pink eye, and other
seemingly mild symptoms.
However, since most urgent care centers do not have
the full suite of medical equipment or specialized staff typically
found in an emergency department, they are likely not a substitute
for emergency care. Another difference is that emergency
departments—unlike urgent care— centers, are required by law to
treat or stabilize anyone who seeks emergency care, regardless of
their ability to pay or insurance status. Whereas most urgent care
centers accept health insurance but require payment when services
are delivered.
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“Knowing when and where to go in
a health emergency can save a life,” continued Dr. Kang. “If you
need care for a severe illness or injury, or if you’re unsure
about what’s wrong and your regular physician is not available,
an emergency physician will always be there for you.”
Always call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department if a
medical emergency is suspected.
[Steve Arnoff]
The American College of Emergency
Physicians (ACEP) is the national medical society representing
emergency medicine. Through continuing education, research, public
education, and advocacy, ACEP advances emergency care on behalf of
its 40,000 emergency physician members, and the more than 150
million people they treat on an annual basis. For more information,
visit www.acep.org and
www.emergencyphysicians.org.
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